In The Spotlight

October 4, 2005

Lydee Benoit

Suncoast

Year: Senior.

Position: Outside hitter.

Height: 5-9.

About Lydee: She was named All-County the past two seasons after leading Suncoast to the Class 4A state final four. Earned second-team All-State honors last year. Has led Suncoast to a No. 1 ranking this fall in the Class 4A state poll. Interested colleges include Rollins, Central Florida and FSU.

Division I universities are noted for recruiting 6-foot volleyball players. Does it bother you to be "only" 5-9?

In a way it does. It's not my fault I'm not taller. But I kind of like the challenge of having to prove myself. I just have to work extra hard.

You are known as a strong hitter. How did you develop your hitting power?

I have been working since sixth grade to improve my technique. I do weekend workouts. I always try to look after my body.

If you could play any other sport, what would you play?

In eighth grade I competed in track and soccer. Those sports helped me a lot for volleyball. Doing the long jump helped my vertical.

Do you feel the pressure of being ranked No. 1 in the state?

Sometimes I feel the pressure. Our team can be amazingly powerful, but I do get nervous when we aren't playing well.

Will the third time be the charm at the state tournament?

I'm really hoping that holds true for this team. My dream is to get back to State and win.

THE LIST

Top five volleyball matchups the final two weeks of the regular season in Palm Beach County: